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SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – As work continues to get Springfield’s iconic Student Prince restaurant ready for its re-opening, owner Peter Picknelly says that he is working with some well-known restaurants in the area to manage the historic eatery.

Picknelly told 22News Friday that he hasn’t made a decision yet, but he is talking with people at some “high-profile” area restaurants. He said an agreement is expected to be reached shortly.

Picknelly told 22News that they are busy doing some remodeling work inside the Fort Street restaurant. In an earlier interview with 22News, he said that the work would be minor, and that they hope to maintain the ambiance and character of the historic establishment many refer to as “The Fort.”

The Scherff family, which had owned restaurant for nearly 75 years, announced back in June that they planned to close. Picknelly, who is also president of Peter Pan Bus Lines, stepped forward about a week later to buy the restaurant.

Picknelly told 22News that they expect to have the Student Prince re-opened in time for Oktoberfest this fall.